However, viewers will be without Jones’ expertise as it was revealed that he, alongside former Scotland internationals Johnnie Beattie and Jim Hamilton, will be absent from the desk despite 12 pundits offering analysis throughout the competition. 

Presenting the action will be Mark Pougatch and Jill Douglas with ITV’s pundits including the likes of Jonny Wilkinson, Brian O’Driscoll, Dan Biggar, Ronan O’Gara, Jamie Roberts, John Barclay, Rory Best, Sergio Parisse, Benjamin Kayser, Ugo Monye, Maggie Alphonsi and Greig Laidlaw.

Joining the pundits in the commentary box will be Nick Mullins and Miles Harrison while co-commentators include David Flatman, Ben Kay, Shane Williams, Scott Hastings, Gordon D’Arcy and Nolli Waterman. The reigning champions kick off proceedings on February 5 as they take on Ireland, who are the most recent winners of the Triple Crown.

England’s first match of the competition will take place on February 5 when they face Wales at Twickenham Stadium as the Red Rose boss Steve Borthwick – who named his squad last Friday – dares to dream that his side can capture a first Six Nations title in seven years. England enter the tournament on the back off 11 straight wins.

With a clash against France on March 14, Borthwick admitted he hopes his side can put themselves in a position to claim glory ahead of the star-studded match. Speaking to Rugby Union Weekly, he said: “People can see the potential that’s in this group.

“They can see the direction this team is going on, the way it is tracking. Two weeks ago we met as a team and I spoke to them about how the last seven Six Nations Championships have been decided on the last round of fixtures. I think it’s 17 of the last 20.

“On 14 March we’re playing against a brilliant France team in Paris. We want to be in a position in that game to get what we all want to achieve. We want English fans flooding across the channel to get there and watch that game. The only way you get to that point is taking care of every step along the journey.”